The Proclamation of Christmas - Score and Parts - Stephen Bulla

Program NotesOriginally written as the 'show opener' for one of The Salvation Army's spectacular annual Christmas Carol concerts in London, and premiered by The International Staff Band, Stephen Bulla's overture The Proclamation of Christmas is an extended work that features a number of popular Christmas tunes, including Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Ding Dong Merrily on High, and The First Nowell. There are also two slightly less well-known tunes that are linked to the carols - While Shepherds Watched and Angels from the Realms of Glory - and the piece concludes with a final flourish from O Come, All Ye Faithful.Its dramatic opening and imaginative structure make it a rewarding piece to rehearse and perform, and it certainly fulfills all the requirements of a Christmas show opener! So, we firmly believe that this overture will be a popular addition to Christmas repertoire for concert band in the same way as it was in its original version for brass band.